France. Storm Aline. Rivers swept away roads and bridges

Storm Aline who on Thursday it passed through the Iberian Peninsula, also took its toll on the inhabitants of southern France. The national meteorological agency Meteo France issued warnings about downpours and flooding. The Alpes Maritimes department in southern France was even on the highest red weather alert for some time.

As reported by the daily “Le Figaro”, storm Aline was accompanied by record-breaking gusts of wind. The highest speed in the history of measurements was measured at the weather station in Levens, 149 kilometers per hour, and in Nice – 92 km/h, which is a record for October. According to meteorologists’ estimates, up to 300 liters of rain per square meter could fall in some places.

According to the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, the most difficult situation is in the north of the department. In the town of Saint-Martin-Vesubie, the swollen Boreon river broke bridges and the temporary road to La Colmiane.

– We are currently evacuating one building – said the politician.

In the nearby Tende commune, swollen rivers cut off access routes to some homes. According to mayor Jean-Pierre Vassalo, the services are in contact with those imprisoned.

According to the rescue services of the Alpes Maritime region, 243 people were evacuated on the night from Thursday to Friday. No one was injured and there is no information about any missing persons. On the night from Thursday to Friday, five thousand households were left without electricity, and repairs to the network are hampered by strong winds, making it impossible to use helicopters.

The prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes department announced that all schools and universities will be closed on Friday. The mayor of Nice urged residents to be especially careful. The city announced the closure of parks, seaside promenade and beaches. Train traffic has been suspended and there are also difficulties at the Nice airport.